United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I haven't visited the forum for a while, but I wanted to thank members for my enlightenment regarding overuse. It can take a while to accept the impact that relying on one arm in a bi-lateral world can have. I have been experiencing back pain over the past year or so - sciatica, etc. I recently noticed that when I stand in front of the mirror that my torso has become twisted due to my reliance on my right arm. My right arm, shoulder and side are much more developed than my left. I have become so out of alignment that my right breast is now in line with my navel! This never used to be the case. In viewing a recent film of myself I was horrfied to see that my gait was twisted and my left (OBPI) arm was held stiffly as though it was broken. It can sometimes be difficult to realise the damage that can be done by relying on one arm and not using our OBPI as much as we are able to. I would encourage those members who campaign on these boards about the pitfalls of overuse (pain, secondary injuries, poor posture, etc) to keep up their good work. It drew my attention to the issue a while ago and I am now witnessing the damage. There may not always be be pain but the damage that can be inflicted on posture can cause pain later on. Chrissie


Joined: Sat May 16, 2009 10:57 am

This is a really big medical/physical issue for many of us adults sharing on our "Adults With..." message board as well as our "Private" Board. I thank you for expressing this so well, what we suffer as adults later in life because we never knew to take care NOT to over-use our "good" limbs.
Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/72